Kensington's own "Shamrock Express" has joined Knowsley Tigers Olympic Wrestling Club in Huyton and is urging youngsters across the region to step onto the mat.

Neary, real name Jimmy, says: "Olympic wrestling is a great sport and, like boxing, it teaches discipline as well as being great for physical fitness.

"Strength and stamina are essential in wrestling and I urge anyone who hasn't tried it to give it a go. If you're a young kid and fancy a full contact sport then Olympic wrestling comes highly recommended."

Neary, a household name on Merseyside after a four-year reign as world champion, and friend Mark Kinney were first tempted onto the freestyle mat three months ago when they were invited down for a workout by Tigers coach Tony Collins.

A Huyton resident, Collins is a former British Olympic freestyle champion and challenged the pair to take up the sport after they complained at being bored of a lifetime punching bags and pads.

"It started out as another way to keep fit," admits Mark, who is also senior coach at Stockbridge Village ABC. "Both myself Jimmy have spent years punching pads and were growing bored in the gym.

"Then Tony suggested we try wrestling and to be honest we've both really taken to it."

Since the summer both Neary and Kinney - who also work alongside each other at Merplis, a sister company of Jaguar - have gone from strength to strength ? to the extent now that both are considering competition.

Neary added: "To me it's just another way of fighting. I've adjusted to it quite well - we both have - but it's all about the kids here really. The club has a couple of British champions at junior level and the work Tony does with them is great.

"As for competition, well I wouldn't mind having a go, maybe in the new year. It would just be for the experience at first but who knows, its a great sport."

And as for his boxing career Neary, who was deservedly recognised as Britain's most exciting fighter just a couple of year ago, leaves fans with a teaser.

"Who knows what the future holds," he admitted. "The right fight, the right money and I could be back. Although it won't be at 10-stone I know that."